Queenless hive question

cdray · May 22, 2012, 11:42:09 PM

Hello group. I have a queenless hive that I got from a cut out. I have attempted twice to let them raise their own queen by adding a frame of eggs from another hive. I have had queen cells hatch two different times over the last two months and I still don't have a queen. I put a frame of eggs in last Friday and they have emergency queen cells started again. If I introduce a mated queen now, should I remove the queen cells they have just started? Thanks in advance. David

Michael Bush · May 23, 2012, 02:16:32 AM

They should have a queen by now of course, but keep in mind the timing. If they start with a four day old it still takes 12 days to a virgin queen and another 14 to 21 days to a laying one. Since they started cells again, though, it looks like they are queenless. So the next question would be why? Do you have a lot of dragonflies? They like a tasty queen now and again. Swallows?

cdray · May 23, 2012, 03:49:20 AM

Thanks for the reply Michael. I do see more swallows this year than I usually do. In fact, there was a pair attempting to nest in my garage. I destroyed the nest before they got too far along. I'm not sure about the dragonflies. David.

Michael Bush · May 23, 2012, 05:07:18 AM

I love swallows, but a lot of them are a risk... I let mine stay still.

cdray · May 23, 2012, 08:07:02 AM

Michael, what are your thoughts on the existing queen cells? Should I pull that frame before I introduce a new, mated queen?

Greg · May 23, 2012, 11:20:33 AM

Quote from: cdray on May 22, 2012, 11:42:09 PM
If I introduce a mated queen now, should I remove the queen cells they have just started?

With queen cells, the hive will think they are queenright and not accept your caged queen. You should remove the cells prior to introducing your new queen. If it has been more than 5 days since giving them a new frame with eggs/larvae, then they won't be able to try to raise another queen once you remove the cells.

Michael Bush · May 24, 2012, 02:45:06 AM

>Michael, what are your thoughts on the existing queen cells? Should I pull that frame before I introduce a new, mated queen?

If you're going to introduce a new mated queen, I would remove the queen cells. You might just put them in a nuc for a while until you have a queen laying so you can fall back to those if you need to.

cdray · May 24, 2012, 11:43:52 AM

Michael, Greg, I appreciate the replies. I am planning on using a push in cage to try and introduce a mated queen. I will keep the queen cells for a back up plan. Thanks! David.

cdray · May 26, 2012, 03:41:09 PM

Well, I went in the hive today, to make preparation for the new, mated queen I had planned on picking up Tuesday, and all of the queen cells they had built last week have been killed, (opened from the side). I guess I just haven't been patient enough. I did not see any eggs yet but the brood nest is open and they're bringing in pollen. I think I'll still get the mated queen and start a nuc. Thanks, David.

BlueBee · May 26, 2012, 04:48:49 PM

Queens can be elusive to find. I've sworn numerous times I didn't have a queen in a hive only to find eggs and fat queen a week later. Seems like every time I look for a virgin queen, she is out on a mating flight. Look at the bright side cdray, at least you didn't burn up $20 and a new mated queen by putting her in that nuc!